TTC Neptune vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Neptune and the Aflion Windy Shadow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering its own unique features for typing enthusiasts. The Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth and frictionless glide, reminiscent of the springy resistance found in chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow from Aflion boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a comfortable medium-light typing experience. While the Neptune excels in providing a textured pleasure with its "matte" feel, the Windy Shadow offers a more subtle typing experience with its 55g bottom-out force. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune and the Aflion Windy Shadow both have unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Neptune features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Windy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their top housing material, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Neptune utilizes a polycarbonate material, similar to its top housing. This choice results in a sharper and crisper sound profile that resonates clearly. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches showcase how varying plastics can impact the overall sound experience for users.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing or gaming. While the Neptune and Windy Shadow both offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in how these materials impact sound. For example, both switches emphasize the importance of housing material transparency for aesthetic reasons. Additionally, understanding the distinct qualities of different plastics, such as polycarbonate and nylon, helps users make informed decisions regarding their preferred typing or gaming experience based on sound preferences.
Weight
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, which does not have an exact value listed. However, the Neptune has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Neptune a lighter option overall, suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel and may benefit from longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier force. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with different preferences for key feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, we see that the Neptune has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Windy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, with the Windy Shadow being slightly shorter than the Neptune. While both switches provide a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for faster response times, the slight difference between the two may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a slightly deeper press may find the Neptune's 3.8 mm travel distance more to their liking, while those who prefer a quicker and more responsive feel may be drawn to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each user is looking for in their keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
The Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched and muted profile, offering a refined and unobtrusive typing experience. The Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, on the other hand, also has a low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, providing a moderate and versatile auditory experience. Both switches aim for a quieter typing atmosphere, with the Neptune leaning towards a subdued and thocky sound, while the Windy Shadow maintains a more neutral tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Neptune linear switch is praised for its buttery, gummy, and frictionless qualities, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a textured pleasure. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle and approachable typing sensation that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. While the Neptune focuses on delivering a unique and polished feel with its proprietary internal structure, the Windy Shadow aims for a more universal and comfortable typing experience with its medium-light 55g bottom-out pressure. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Neptune emphasizing a more distinctive and nuanced tactile feedback, while the Windy Shadow offers a more universally appealing touch.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the TTC Neptune and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches, it is evident that they each bring a unique set of qualities to the table. The Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure and harmonious blend of smoothness and resistance, resulting in a textured and satisfying typing experience with a muted and thocky sound. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow offers a more neutral and gentle typing feel, focusing on comfort and versatility with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering different nuances in sound and feel that cater to a variety of preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a more tactile and polished typing experience with the Neptune or a softer and milder touch with the Windy Shadow, both switches are sure to deliver satisfying results based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Neptune linear switch or the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a muted and subdued sound, the TTC Neptune might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a mild typing feel, the Aflion Windy Shadow could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics align best with your typing preferences and needs.
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